Grand Coulee Dam– the largest dam in the United States – has become the happy owner of the brand-new fleet of EXV4 Patriot and EXV2 Patriot NEVs (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles).

Bureau of Reclamation has bought 27 electric utility vehicles for them. By doing so, they intend to kill two birds with one stone: ‘electric hummers’ will help meet lower greenhouse gas emissions objectives and also solve a chronic vehicle shortage for making short trips around the hydropower complex.

Well, whatever the reasons are, I’m happy really happy that the Grand Coulee Dam keeps up with the times.

Let’s learn more about the vehicles.

EXV4 Patriot and EXV2 Patriot electric vehicles

EXV4 Patriot and EXV2 Patriotare both equipped with lithium-ion batteries and have a range of about 55 miles (88 kilometers) – more than enough for everyday commuting.

Also, ‘electric hummers’ can accelerate up to 25 miles (40 km/h) and can be fully charged within less than half of an hour – approximately 20 minutes.

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Interesting fact: NEVs are powered by renewable energy that's generated at the dam.

Specially outfitted for use at Grand Coulee

The 4-door commuters, built by e-ride Industries in of Princeton, Minnesota, were specially outfitted for use at Grand Coulee.

“After they brought their needs to us, we outfitted a vehicle specifically for them with a high-performance package, with the full enclosure, toolboxes, ladder rack and pull out bed tray” - mentioned Kurt Bauerly, e-ride Industries General Manager.

Whether for short trips carrying people or equipment, electric utility vehicles are designed to handle a 1000 pound payload and reach a top speed of 25 mph with plenty of torque to make it up steep grades around the power plant complex.

Two types of vehicles

“We have two types - one that's made for moving people and one made for moving tools and equipment. We have a two door and a four door version, very good looking, if I might add” - said Anderson.

“They're built for an industrial environment, like Grand Coulee, and that's how we're going to use them” - added Tillman.

A few words about ‘electric hummers’ from Deputy Power Manager Doug Anderson and some other folks

“These cars are great looking. They look like a cross between a Jeep, a Hummer”- said Deputy Power Manager Doug.

Anderson is proud of the 27 electric utility trucks purchased by the Bureau of Reclamation for use at Grand Coulee Dam this fall. The EUVs, as they’re known, are driving a green car pilot project that delivers low-maintenance, zero emissions utility vehicles for use at the giant power complex in northeast Washington State.

“In the last couple of years, Grand Coulee has added about 130 employees. We're trying to introduce these electric vehicles as a way to offset our current gas fleet vehicles”- added Matt Tillman, Grand Coulee’s Administrative Officer.

A few words about Grand Coulee

Grand Coulee, located in northeast Washington, is the nation’s largest hydropower complex that covers 18 square miles and includes transmission yards, four power plants, and the mile-wide dam itself.

“It’s a large power complex and not very far from place to place, but there's an awful lot of small trips, short trips that employees make each day. That’s hard on vehicles and a poor use of a fossil fuel powered car” - said Anderson.

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Saving money

It’s expected that fuel consumption by conventional vehicles used at the dam will decrease by 10-15% from a cost of around $100,000 annually.